Josie Pablo, the Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation Kaua‘i Regional recreational therapy director, has been likened to the chef of stone soup by Placido Valenciano, the Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital therapist.
Valenciano narrated the Josie Stone soup story Thursday during a special recognition ceremony marking her retirement from the HHSC hospitals — SMMH and Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hospital — following more than 35 years of service.
“’Aloha’ means ‘hello,’ ‘goodbye’ and ‘love,’” Valenciano said. “Today, we are saying ‘aloha’ to Josie — saying ‘hello,’ telling her a sad ‘goodbye’ and, most of all, ‘we love you!’”
Valenciano likened the Josie Pablo legacy to the saga of stone soup, and Pablo’s ability to pull together the community — from government leaders and agencies to individual families — to accomplish and create events that provide meaningful experiences for both the long-term-care residents as well as the people who provide the support.
“I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the countless support I have received over the years,” Pablo said in her aloha letter to the HHSC.
“While the objective of sustaining the utmost quality of life for our residents was clear, if it were not for the ongoing trust, support, encouragement and occasional leaps of faith from our leadership team, fellow colleagues, selfless volunteers, family members and our island community, none of our accomplishments would have been possible.”
Some of the events that have become calendar milestones for both SMMH and KVMH hospitals, include the annual ocean-therapy program when residents are treated to beach outings with the help of numerous groups, including the County of Kaua‘i that provides for handicapped access to the water as well as use of The Kaua‘i Bus in transporting residents and staff beyond the hospitals’ capabilities.
Mayor Derek Kawakami has personally been involved in this activity, from loaning the surfboard in the back of his truck to being chided by Pablo for missing one event.
“Just one,” Kawkami said. “I’ve been to almost all of the events, and I get scolded because I missed one.”
Kawakami was one of the many guests in attendance, the mayor proclaiming Oct. 28 as Josie Pablo Day for the many accomplishments she has achieved toward changing the face of long-term care.
“Josie helped to provide the residents — hospitalized for various ailments including long-term-care needs and mental illness — with things they can look forward to and make them feel at home despite their circumstances, taking into account cultural backgrounds and interests of all the residents,” Kawakami said.
“We don’t do this for (just) anyone. Josie was dedicated to come to work every day and gave her all to the residents as regional director of recreational therapy. Josie enhanced the lives of the residents, gave them joy and happiness and put smiles on their faces each and every day.”
Gathering in the hospital’s maintenance room ringed with more than 30 years of clocks amassed by Joe Arruda following their useful life, the guests included state Rep. Nadine Nakamura and former mayor and current County Councilmember Bernard Carvalho, who was also personally involved with Pablo’s many community calendar-day events like the annual bon dance and the Winter Wonderland courtyard decorating.
These dignitaries came bearing gifts of certificates of commendation and recognition for Pablo’s legacy.
“While I have not had the pleasure to work with you as long as others, I have seen you work your magic, and left a legacy at the Long-Term Care at both Mahelona and KVMH hospitals for the past 35 years,” said Dr. Ronald Fujimoto, chief medical officer for the HHSC Kaua‘i Region.
“I have witnessed you as the embodiment of the ‘aloha spirit.’ Your compassion and empathy for our residents are clearly evident in everything you do. I am at awe with how you ‘malama’ and care for and protect our long-term-care ‘ohana. And when I have tried to let you know what a great job I think you’ve done, you redirect the praise to the great residents and excellent care team — a demonstration of your humbleness,” said Fujimoto.
“Confucius said something like, ‘if you find a job you love, you will never work another day in your life,’” Fujimoto said. “You are one of the few people who seem to love working. Thank you on behalf of the hundreds of lives you have touched, and of making a difference.”
Today, Pablo leaves the hospital for one last time.
“Thirty-five years ago, I walked in as a young girl, fresh out of college with a head full of dreams,” Pablo said.
“To say that work filled a large part of my life is an understatement. These walls have been my second home. The hearts that fill these walls have become family. The memories that I take with me — cherished, forever. With that, everything has a beginning and an end. And while the end of this road is near, the beginning of the next holds so much excitement and possibility. Grandma duties will be in full force, and a wide-open agenda filled with exercising, gardening, cooking, traveling and, of course, making unforgettable memories with my ‘ohana.”
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
